At $9,002/yr net price, Salish Kootenai College graduates earn $32,725/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,002 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $36,008 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $32,725/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-1,275/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $12,923 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,263/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,954/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,660/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,987/yr |
The Risk Factor
35.2% of students at Salish Kootenai College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Salish Kootenai College is a low-cost school with weak earnings, and that gap defines your financial picture here. You leave with median debt under $13,000, one of the lowest debt loads you'll find at any four-year school. But median earnings ten years out sit below what many high school graduates make, and that's the number that should give you pause before enrolling.
The debt-to-earnings math is the one bright spot. Because you borrow so little, even modest pay doesn't bury you. If you're paying for a credential that leads to a specific local job in the Flathead Reservation area, the low cost keeps your risk contained. But no bachelor-level program earnings are listed here, so treat any promise of a specific career payoff with skepticism until you see the numbers for your exact program.
The retention rate is high, meaning you're likely to come back for a second year. The graduation rate tells the harder story: roughly two of every three students who start don't finish. If you leave without the credential, you've spent time and money for earnings that land near the bottom.
The net price barely moves across income levels. A family under $30,000 pays only about $700 less per year than a family earning $75,000 to $110,000. Lower-income families get little extra break here, so if you're counting on aid to close the gap, the price won't drop much for you.
This school fits you if you live nearby, want low cost, and have a clear local job in mind. If you're borrowing on the expectation of a strong salary, the earnings data doesn't support that bet, and you should look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salish Kootenai College worth the cost?
With a low net price of $9,002 per year and median debt of only $12,923, Salish Kootenai College is affordable, but graduates earn just $32,725 ten years after enrollment. The 35% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degrees.
What is the return on investment for Salish Kootenai College graduates?
Salish Kootenai College graduates earn relatively low salaries compared to other colleges, with median earnings of $32,725 after ten years. However, the low debt burden and affordable tuition make it a reasonable choice for students seeking cultural education or planning to transfer.
How much debt do Salish Kootenai College students typically have?
Students who borrow at Salish Kootenai College graduate with a median debt of $12,923, which is lower than the national average. The monthly loan payment would be manageable even with the lower post-graduation earnings.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Salish Kootenai College?
Job prospects depend heavily on your field of study, but overall earnings for Salish Kootenai College graduates are below average at $32,725 ten years out. The college serves an important role in Native American education and community development, which may offer non-financial benefits for some students.